Lightning starts over ... again

Chad Carlson was brought in to save the Stockton Lightning's season, and he faces a stringent test in his first game as head coach.

Jagdip Dhillon

Chad Carlson was brought in to save the Stockton Lightning's season, and he faces a stringent test in his first game as head coach.

Carlson, who replaced Doug Murray on Tuesday, will lead the Lightning (2-7) against the undefeated Spokane Shock at 8 p.m. today at Veterans Arena in Spokane, Wash. The Shock (8-0) leads the arenafootball2's West Division and thrashed the Lightning 70-12 on April 5 at Stockton Arena.

"They're a great team, and they've proven that the past few years," Carlson said. "Now it's time for us to take the next step."

Carlson said he told his players he considers them to be 0-0 with a new season beginning against the 2006 af2 champions.

"We have to put the past behind us," Carlson said. "The old clichés start to pop out, but we need to take it one game at a time."

Carlson hasn't decided who will be his starting quarterback today, calling it a game-time decision. Starter Chad Elliot is out with a shoulder injury, so either Kenton Evans or newcomer Andy Collins will get the start.

Evans struggled against Tri-Cities last week, completing 7-of-24 passes for 94 yards and throwing four interceptions. Collins was assigned to the Lightning by the league office on Thursday after spending time with the Arena Football League's Los Angeles Avengers and Colorado Crush. Evans said he expects to play and make a difference.

"My mind-set hasn't changed at all," Evans said. "But I was a little more attentive to the new offense. We want to get the ball out of our hands a little quicker."

The Shock has been quick to the punch all season, outscoring opponents 457-332, and it has been great in close games, winning four games by four points or less. Spokane's quarterbacks, Jason Murietta and Nick Davila, have combined for 43 passing touchdowns.

Carlson has brought a positive approach this week, and the players seem to be buying in.

"Everybody has been pretty upbeat," Evans said. "Coach Carlson has come in with a very upbeat attitude, and guys have caught onto that. We have a lot of confidence. Now, we have to go out on the field and get it done."

Carlson said fans will be able to notice an immediate difference with the team.

"Stockton is a hard-working, physical town, and we have to be that way," Carlson said. "If we can be physical, that'll be the first step in us getting good."